Cycling through spectacular countryside scenery, ethnic villages, rice paddies, as well as areas in the Pu Luong Nature reserve. Visits and stay with the local ethnic minorities are highlights of this itinerary.

What to Expect

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Morning departure from your Hanoi hotel at 8:00 am. Making our way to Mai Chau guests are treated to Vietnam's fantastic countryside scenery. Early lunch at a local restaurant on the way then we begin our half day of peaceful cycling along the Hoa Binh reservoir (~45 km). The views are amazing with the green lake stretching out in the distance to your right and the mountains stretching to the sky on your left. Feel a closeness with the natural surroundings and take opportunities to get acquainted with the local culture. Overnight in Poom Coom village guest house.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Pu Luong Nature Reserve, homestay at Kho Muong village
Up early but at your leisure to start our day. Today we plan on cycling at least another 45 km. Our route today will take us along paved and dirt roads and will include a challenging 15 km accent with an elevation gain of 500 plus meters. Highlights along the way include a short Ma River boat trip, village-to-village cycling, and a visit on bikes to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Settle in and overnight at a local Thai stilt homestay in Kho Muong village nestled between limestone mountains and rice terraces – perhaps one of the most beautiful settings on any of our Footprint tours!Day 3: Kho Muong, back to Hanoi
Wake up, breakfast and prepare for our day! Depending on the weather, physical condition of the cyclers we will determine the appropriate biking route for the day. Nevertheless with route will probably be a little off the beaten track, bumpy but fun, and include some amazing sites, spectacular views, and village visits. Feeling comfortable by now with the culture, take the opportunities to interact with the local people. Picnic lunch at Hieu village. Finish the day's bike trip sometime after lunch with about 35 km of terrain covered. Back to Hanoi in time for a late dinner.